We hear it all the time: Young black men need role models that they can look up to. Hell, all men of color need a prototype or an exemplar to follow in order to manifest a proper blueprint to success. Communities of color stress this moral compass on the fact that there are rare instances of shining examples of fabulous self-made men. That there are few “men” that are ethnically diverse that are in fact “doing-it-big” without stepping on people’s toes, have very little dirt under their fingernails when it comes to scandal and are monogamous without the pretense of ever being a serial adulterer. The last one is very important because a lot of women still believe that all men are cold-hearted cheaters. We’re here to tell you ladies, that there are still a few good men out there… Unfortunately, none of them will make an appearance below.
Here is our list of guys who need to just grow-up when it comes to matters of the heart!
1.
Swizz Beatz
Recently: Grammy Award-winning “home-wrecker” Alicia Keys wasn’t too keen on babydaddy Swizz Beatz and Nicki Minaj shacking up alone in an NYC studio to lay down a couple of tracks for Minaj’s much fussed-about star-studded LP debut. 24hiphop.com reported that Keys was in attendance the entirety of the session, making her presence “known.” With Swizz Beatz “happily obliging,” it’s apparent that Keys absolutely refused to be where so many other R&B starlets have been. Most importantly, for an artist that reps herself as “Nicki Lewinsky,” would anyone allow the two to be in the same room without a third party? Keys didn’t think so either.
His Problem: We absolutely, positively do not trust this guy. Why do you ask? Swizz Beatz does not have the best track record for staying faithful. In 2007, Beatz and singer Mashonda Tifrere celebrated the birth of their second child. Fifteen months later, after four years of marriage, the two separated. An open letter addressed to Keys via Tifrere implied an extra-marital affair between Beatz and Keys. On June 25, Keys confirmed on Good Morning America that she was five pregnant and due in November.
What We Expect: Keys will have eyes on the back of her head the entire duration of their relationship.
2.
Chris Brown
Recently: Photos leaked of R&B crooner Brown’s new boo, who oddly sports tattoos reminiscent of Brown in the same fashion of his famous ex-girlfriend, Rihanna. In addition, this has been met with controversy because of a dark-skinned rant toward Sandra Rose that prompted critics to label Brown an aficionado of colorism; as he has been seen only with light-skinned women. Can we say this is preference or a deeply-rooted racial identity issue?
His problem: Bajan pop sovereign Rihanna and Chris Brown had an altercation that led to photos of her battered, black-and-blue face internationally leaked to every other entertainment Web site known on the Internet. This happened after a heated Ri Ri wouldn’t drop conversing his philandering with other hot young women. The tabloid princess became an emblem of anti-domestic abuse campaigns and the hot-tempered Brown—on the cusp of greatness—was now an extraneous D-list R&B karaoke machine, after horrendously condescending interviews with Larry King and others.
What We Expect: An excellent post-dubstep fifth album by Rihanna, which is expected to be a pop classic and one last hurrah for Brown who will star and executive produce the crime thriller Takers, staring Indris Elba, Zoë Saldaña, and T.I.
3.
The-Dream
Recently: The-shmuck married early-2000s R&B starlet Nivea in 2004 and had three children together, in wedded bliss for three years. Nivea filed for legal separation, with The-Dream stating, “There has to be a certain amount of knowledge and patience that’s acquired in order to keep it going and keep it straight, and I found out the hard way.” Then he went on to date pop mistress Christina Milian in early 2009, where she became pregnant, and they were engaged in June 2009. In September 2009, The-Dream married Milian at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas where the blushing bride rented a wedding dress for $200 (counting shoes and veil) while The-Dream rented a tuxedo for $100 (counting shoes, tie and vest). Not even 5 months after the birth of their daughter Violet Madison Nash, The-Dream announced their separation on July 12, after pictures of The-Dream vacationing and romancing with leaked his assistant surfaced online.
His problem: The stocky Atlanta producer rose to fame with several hits like J. Holiday’s “Bed,” Jesse McCartney’s “Leavin’,” Mariah Carey’s “Touch My Body” and songs “Umbrella” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” by superstars Rihanna and Beyoncé respectively. Then, he dropped torch song records Love/Hate, Love vs. Money and Love King—making the ladies swoon and the guys practicing their Mack skills. However, the man with the pretentious hyphenated name comes off more like a capitalizing cold-hearted gigolo than a smooth-talking Lothario fueled by an insatiable lust for love.
What We Expect: A dodgy next record that will either be autobiographical via Usher’s Here I Stand or a cheese puff effort from The-Dream. A grown-ass woman anthem from Christina Milian who is no stranger to singing, writing and producing her own material. Will we see another “Acapella”? Let’s hope so.
4.
Nas
Recently: He’s on the redeeming track, guys, maybe this is the guy we can look to for handing his business. After giving birth to their baby boy Knight, the “One Mic” rap star owed Kelis nearly $300,000 with a $52,989.22 mortgage debt. He agreed to pay it with monthly installments of $14,229.61, almost double the amount he was asked to dish out prior to.
His problem: The socially-conscious hardcore rapper left kaleidoscopic chanteuse Kelis “Acappella,” owing her over $200,000 in child and spousal support as well as attorney’s fees! In fact, a New York City judge ordered Nas to pay the “Milkshake” star $55k per month after she tried collecting $100k per month in child support. By February, the “Bossy” singer’s attorney filed a contempt motion against the celebrated hip-hop icon, and he pleaded not guilty. If he’s convicted, he could have been a big-time jailbird.
What We Expect: Kelis’ surprise monster hit Flesh Tone is really big in the circuit scene and she’s tagging up with Swedish singer Robyn for a killer tour, while Nas released a collaboration effort with Damien Marley… So, a better solo effort with an autobiographical twist designed to be a summer smash should be on the menu.
5.
Dwyane Wade
Recently: Ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches emphasized that she is suing actress Gabrielle Union for “inflicting emotional distress” on her 8-year-old and 2-year-old sons (noted as plaintiffs in the case), claiming Union “engaged in sexual foreplay” in front of them with Wade in their Miami home. In fact, according to CBS, the lawsuit claims that Union has played sexually explicit roles, including roles as a seductress” in her blockbuster films and TV roles and has “apparently decided to take her role beyond the films and into the home of a married man, Dwyane Wade, in the presence of his two minor children.” How interesting.
His Problem: He can play a great game of b-ball, but he could not resist temptation when it came to afro-chic Barbie bombshell Gabrielle Union! Happily married with two kids, he ditched his baby mama and became ensnared by the claws of sultry “Bring It On” temptress. Despite the cutthroat divorce saga drama brought on by Funches, you can’t help but point fingers at the man that had it all and went to date the sex symbol.
What We Expect: Union has been pretty tame, but will the lioness come out?
